Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland: A Historic Breakthrough or a New Fault Line?

Somaliland, which has maintained independence and sovereignty for the past 34 years, received its first official recognition of statehood from Israel on Friday, December 26, 2025. The announcement has sparked a wide range of reactions across the region and internationally.

Israel’s Recognition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally recognized Somaliland during a video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (popularly known as Abdirahman Irro). Netanyahu signed the recognition document via mobile phone, marking a historic milestone for Somaliland.

For years, Somaliland had pinned its hopes on Ethiopia to be the first country to recognize its independence. This expectation grew stronger in December 2023, when former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Partnership and Cooperation with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Muse Bihi had stated that Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland once the agreement was implemented.

President Abdirahman Irro, elected last year, also expressed support for the memorandum. However, the deal triggered diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, which continues to claim Somaliland as part of its territory. These tensions, coupled with recent reconciliation talks between Ethiopia and Somalia in Ankara under Turkish mediation, have diminished hopes of Ethiopian recognition.

Meanwhile, speculation has grown that the United States, rather than Ethiopia, might eventually become the next country to recognize Somaliland.

What Was Agreed Between Israel and Somaliland?

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and President Abdirahman Irro signed a joint statement establishing full diplomatic relations.

Netanyahu congratulated President Irro and invited him to visit Israel. He described the recognition as a “historic step” taken in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s intention to rapidly expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economic development.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed that the agreement includes the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies. He stated on social media that his ministry had been instructed to immediately institutionalize relations across multiple fields.

President Abdirahman Irro hailed the recognition as “historic” and pledged Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords. He described the move as the beginning of a strategic partnership that would advance mutual interests, strengthen regional peace and security, and deliver benefits to all stakeholders.

International Reactions

The recognition has drawn sharp criticism from several countries. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Djibouti, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, and Pakistan issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israel’s decision. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry declared that Israel’s recognition disregards Somalia’s sovereignty, echoing a unanimous regional condemnation.

The statement warned of negative consequences for peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and beyond, accusing Israel of ignoring international law.

The European Union also issued a statement stressing the importance of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing the Somali constitution, the African Union, and United Nations charters.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would not “rush” to follow Israel’s lead. “Everything is being studied… We will study it. I have studied a lot and I’ll make a great decision. My decisions are correct,” he told the New York Post in a phone interview.

Meanwhile, the African Union reaffirmed its firm commitment to Somalia’s unity and sovereignty. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yusuf rejected any recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, reiterating the bloc’s long-standing position based on the principles of its Constitutive Act.